Karaoke is a beloved pastime for many people around the world, providing a fun and relaxed environment for individuals to showcase their vocal skills and sing along to their favorite tunes. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a birthday celebration, or a company event, karaoke has become a staple in our entertainment culture. But what are the most popular karaoke songs of all time? This article takes a look at the top tunes that have been belted out in karaoke bars and events for decades. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop hits, the list includes a wide range of genres and artists, all of which have proven to be timeless crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re a seasoned karaoke singer or a newcomer to the scene, this list of the most popular karaoke songs of all time is sure to provide inspiration for your next performance.
1. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
“I Will Survive” is a disco classic performed by Gloria Gaynor, released in 1978. It is one of the most iconic dance-floor anthems of all time, known for its empowering lyrics and upbeat melody. The song expresses resilience and strength in the face of heartbreak, encouraging listeners to pick themselves up and move on. Its lasting popularity has made it a staple at parties, weddings, and karaoke events, where audiences never hesitate to sing along. With its catchy chorus and uplifting message, “I Will Survive” remains a timeless dance classic that continues to inspire and excite audiences today.
2. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
“A Thousand Miles” is a pop ballad performed by Vanessa Carlton, released in 2001. The song became a huge hit, reaching the top five on the US charts and becoming Carlton’s breakthrough single. It is known for its piano-driven melody, emotional lyrics, and Carlton’s distinctive vocals. The song is a heartfelt expression of love and longing, as the singer describes the lengths she would go to be with the person she loves. Its timeless appeal has made it a popular choice for weddings, proms, and other special occasions, where it continues to bring a touch of romance and nostalgia. With its delicate beauty and captivating melody, “A Thousand Miles” remains one of the most memorable love songs of the last two decades.
3. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
“Livin’ on a Prayer” is a rock anthem performed by Bon Jovi, released in 1986. It is one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring hits, and has become a staple of rock radio and karaoke bars. The song features driving guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and an anthemic chorus that encourages listeners to never give up, no matter the odds. Its uplifting message and catchy melody have made it a favorite of audiences around the world, who love to sing along and pump their fists in the air. “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a classic rock song that continues to inspire and excite fans of all ages, and is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.
4. “Y.M.C.A.” by Village People
“Y.M.C.A.” is a dance-pop classic performed by the Village People, released in 1978. The song became an international sensation, reaching the top of charts around the world and becoming one of the most iconic dance songs of the disco era. It is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and its fun, sing-along lyrics that spell out the letters “Y-M-C-A.” The song has been a staple of dance floors, parties, and karaoke bars for decades, and its catchy beat and upbeat message continue to inspire audiences of all ages to get up and dance. With its lively energy and infectious melody, “Y.M.C.A.” remains one of the most memorable dance songs of all time, and a testament to the power of disco music to bring people together.
5. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
“Dancing Queen” is a pop classic performed by ABBA, released in 1976. The song is one of ABBA’s most well-known and beloved hits, and has become a staple of disco and dance music. It features upbeat, danceable beats, cheerful vocals, and an infectious chorus that encourages listeners to let loose and dance. With its upbeat energy and memorable melody, “Dancing Queen” has been a favorite of audiences at parties, weddings, and karaoke events for decades. Its timeless appeal has made it a classic of the dance-pop genre, and a beloved song for generations of fans. Whether you’re a fan of ABBA or just love to dance, “Dancing Queen” is a song that is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your feet moving.
6. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a dance-pop hit performed by Whitney Houston, released in 1987. The song is one of Houston’s most iconic and recognizable tracks, known for its upbeat tempo, energetic vocals, and infectious chorus. The song expresses the singer’s desire to dance and have a good time, and its joyful spirit has made it a staple of dance floors and parties for decades. With its memorable melody and upbeat energy, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a classic of the dance-pop genre and a beloved song for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of Whitney Houston or just love to dance, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your feet moving.
7. “Ironic” by Alanis Morrisette
“Ironic” is a hit song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, released in 1996. The song features a mid-tempo, acoustic-rock sound and highlights the singer’s sarcastic and sardonic lyrical style. The song’s lyrics are a commentary on the ironies of life, including situations like “rain on your wedding day” and “a traffic jam when you’re already late.” Morissette’s strong and confident vocal delivery conveys the frustration and sarcasm in her words, making “Ironic” a standout track that has become one of her most iconic and memorable songs. The song remains popular to this day, cementing Morissette’s place as a 90s alt-rock icon.
8. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John & Kiki Dee
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is a classic duet between legendary British singer Elton John and Kiki Dee. Released in 1976, the upbeat disco-pop track features catchy hooks, upbeat instrumentals, and lively vocals from both artists. The song’s lyrics express a plea for a lover not to break the singer’s heart, with John and Dee singing the lines in a playful, lighthearted manner. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable chorus made it an instant hit, reaching number one on the UK charts and becoming one of John’s most beloved tracks. Over the years, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” has been covered by several artists and remains a timeless classic in the world of pop music.
9. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
“Mr. Brightside” is a classic rock track by American band The Killers, released in 2004. The song is known for its driving beat, infectious guitar riffs, and emotive vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who discovers his love interest is cheating on him, leading to feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. Despite its melancholic subject matter, the song has a upbeat and energetic sound that has made it a staple of dance and rock clubs around the world. “Mr. Brightside” was The Killers’ breakthrough hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries and establishing the band as a major force in the rock world. The song remains one of the band’s most recognizable and beloved tracks, a testament to its enduring popularity.
10. “Ebony & Ivory” by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder
“Ebony and Ivory” is a duet between legendary musicians Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, released in 1982. The song is a celebration of unity and diversity, with lyrics that promote the idea that black and white people can live together in peace and harmony. The song features McCartney’s signature melodic guitar playing and Wonder’s soulful vocals, blending elements of rock and R&B to create a unique and uplifting sound. The song’s message of unity and equality has made it a timeless classic, and its memorable chorus has become one of the most recognizable in popular music. “Ebony and Ivory” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and cementing McCartney and Wonder’s status as two of the greatest musicians of their generation.
11. “She Bangs” by Ricky Martin
“She Bangs” is a Latin pop song by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, released in 2000. The song features a pulsating beat, upbeat horns, and Martin’s powerful vocals, creating a high-energy party atmosphere. The lyrics describe a woman who turns heads with her beauty and allure, leading the singer to proclaim his admiration for her. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentals have made it a staple of dance floors around the world, and Martin’s charismatic performance has made it one of his most iconic and memorable tracks. “She Bangs” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and helping to establish Martin as one of the leading stars of Latin pop. The song remains a fan favorite, a testament to its enduring popularity.
12. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
“Stayin’ Alive” is a classic disco track by the Bee Gees, released in 1977. The song features a upbeat, danceable beat, soulful vocals, and funky instrumentals, making it one of the defining tracks of the disco era. The lyrics express a determination to keep on living and enjoying life, despite the challenges that come with it. The song’s infectious energy and memorable chorus have made it a staple of dance floors around the world, and it remains one of the Bee Gees’ most recognizable and beloved tracks. “Stayin’ Alive” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and helping to establish the Bee Gees as one of the leading acts of the disco era. The song remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity.
13. “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
“Torn” is a pop ballad by Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia, released in 1997. The song features a melancholic acoustic guitar, a soft piano melody, and Imbruglia’s emotive vocals, creating a mood of introspection and heartache. The lyrics express confusion and doubt in a relationship, with the singer torn between her feelings and the reality of the situation. The song’s raw emotion and relatable subject matter have made it a fan favorite, and its memorable chorus has become one of the most recognizable in popular music. “Torn” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and establishing Imbruglia as a leading female artist of the late 90s. The song remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity.
14. “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a classic rock song by American band Journey, released in 1981. The song is known for its upbeat, catchy chorus, and its optimistic message of perseverance and determination. The lyrics encourage listeners to hold onto their dreams and never give up, even in the face of adversity. The song’s upbeat energy and infectious melody have made it a staple of rock and roll playlists around the world, and its memorable chorus has become one of the most recognizable in popular music. “Don’t Stop Believin'” was a commercial success for Journey, reaching the top 10 in several countries and establishing the band as a major force in the rock world. The song remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity.
15. “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue
“Can’t Get You Out of My Head” is a pop dance song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue, released in 2001. The song features a sleek and infectious dance beat, with a catchy and memorable melody that immediately captures the listener’s attention. The lyrics express a feeling of obsession with a romantic interest, and the singer’s inability to stop thinking about them. The song’s upbeat energy and irresistible chorus have made it a staple of dance floors around the world, and it remains one of Minogue’s most recognizable and beloved tracks. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and helping to establish Minogue as a leading female artist of the early 2000s. The song remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity.
16. “Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
“Hit Me Baby One More Time” is a song by American pop singer Britney Spears, released in 2000 as part of her debut album “Baby One More Time”. The song features a catchy and upbeat pop melody, with lyrics that express a feeling of longing for a lost love. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat energy have made it a staple of pop radio playlists around the world, and it remains one of Spears’ most recognizable and beloved tracks. “Hit Me Baby One More Time” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and helping to establish Britney as a leading female pop star of the early 2000s. The song remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity and Britney’s enduring talent.
17. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
“September” is a classic funk and R&B song by the American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released in 1978. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with a catchy and memorable chorus that is widely recognized and beloved. The lyrics express a feeling of nostalgia for a lost love, with the singer longing for a time in the past when everything was better. With its upbeat energy and infectious rhythm, “September” has become a staple of dance floors around the world, and it remains one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most recognizable and beloved tracks. The song was a commercial success for the band, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and helping to establish them as a leading force in the funk and R&B worlds. “September” remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity and the band’s lasting influence on the world of music.
18. “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
“Lucky” is a duet between American singer-songwriters Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, released in 2008. The song is a mid-tempo ballad, featuring a blend of acoustic guitar, piano, and light percussion. The lyrics express a feeling of gratitude for finding love, with the singer acknowledging the luck that has brought them together. The song’s tender and emotional melody, combined with the smooth and melodic vocals of Mraz and Caillat, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere that is both comforting and uplifting. “Lucky” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the charts in several countries and helping to establish both Mraz and Caillat as popular and successful artists. The song remains a timeless classic, a testament to its enduring popularity and the enduring power of love.
19. “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
“I Want It That Way” is a pop ballad by the American boy band Backstreet Boys, released in 1999. The song features a blend of soaring vocals and catchy, upbeat melody, backed by a pulsing beat and lush orchestration. The lyrics express a feeling of heartbreak and longing, with the singer struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship. The song’s powerful chorus and emotive delivery has made it a staple of the Backstreet Boys’ discography, and it remains one of their most recognizable and beloved tracks. “I Want It That Way” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts around the world and helping to establish the Backstreet Boys as one of the leading boy bands of their era. The song continues to be a fan favorite, and its timeless appeal remains a testament to the enduring popularity of the Backstreet Boys.
20. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
“I’m Coming Out” is a upbeat disco-pop song by legendary American singer Diana Ross, released in 1980. The song features a fast-paced rhythm, driving beat and an energetic melody, backed by a horn section and prominent use of synthesizers. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is ready to come out and be their true self, regardless of what others may think or say. The song’s celebratory message of individuality and self-expression has made it an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. “I’m Coming Out” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts and helping to establish Diana Ross as a major figure in the disco era. The song remains a classic of its genre, and its upbeat and empowering message continues to inspire and uplift listeners to this day.
21. “Cruisin” by Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow
“Cruisin'” is a duet by American singer Huey Lewis and actress Gwyneth Paltrow, featured in the 2000 film “Duets”. The song is a mellow, laid-back, blues-inspired love ballad that evokes a feeling of cruising down the highway with the windows down and the wind in your hair. The lyrics express a desire to spend time with someone special, exploring the world and enjoying each other’s company. The duet features a harmonious interplay between Lewis’ soulful voice and Paltrow’s sweet, melodic singing. “Cruisin'” received positive reviews for its infectious melody and nostalgic vibe, and remains a popular song among fans of both artists. The song has been covered by numerous other artists and has become a classic of its genre.
22. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
“Wonderwall” is a hit song by English rock band Oasis, released in 1995. It is one of the band’s most recognizable and popular songs, and has since become a staple of modern rock music. The song is a soft, acoustic ballad that tells the story of a relationship and a desire to be a source of comfort and support for someone. The melody is memorable and catchy, and the lyrics are full of emotional depth. The song has been covered by numerous other artists, and has been used in many films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place as a modern classic. The song remains one of Oasis’ biggest hits, and is widely regarded as one of the best rock songs of all time.
23. “Like a Virgin” by Madonna
“Like a Virgin” is a hit song by American pop icon Madonna, released in 1984. It is one of her most famous and recognizable songs, and helped to establish her as a pop star. The song is a upbeat dance-pop tune that features a catchy chorus and memorable lyrics. The song is about a woman experiencing love for the first time, and the excitement and freshness that comes with it. The production is upbeat and energetic, with a strong beat and catchy synth lines, and Madonna’s vocal performance is energetic and confident. “Like a Virgin” helped to launch Madonna’s career, and remains one of her biggest hits, a classic of 80s pop music and a staple of dance floors around the world.
24. “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
“Never Gonna Give You Up” is a 1987 pop song by British singer Rick Astley. The song was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in 25 countries and becoming the best-selling single of 1987 in the UK. The song features a catchy chorus and upbeat production that combines elements of pop, soul, and dance music. The lyrics are about a man’s unwavering love for someone, promising to always be there for them and never giving up on their relationship. The music video for the song features Astley singing and dancing in various locations, and has since become famous for its over-the-top production and choreography. “Never Gonna Give You Up” is widely recognized as one of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s, and has since become a viral meme and internet phenomenon known as “rickrolling.”
25. “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum
“Need You Now” is a ballad performed by country music group Lady Antebellum. The song was released as a single from their second studio album in 2009 and went on to become one of their biggest hits, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song expresses the feelings of someone who is missing their loved one and wishing they were together. The song’s melody is backed by a soft acoustic guitar and the lyrics are delivered with soulful harmonies that capture the longing and sadness of being apart from someone you love. “Need You Now” is a timeless classic and remains a staple in Lady Antebellum’s live shows.
26. “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus
“Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus is a 2000 pop rock song that tells the story of a misfit teenager who is bullied and excluded in school. The chorus is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, with lyrics like “I’m just a teenage dirtbag, baby, yeah.” The song’s catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and powerful chorus make it a classic coming-of-age anthem that still resonates with audiences today. With its combination of rock and pop influences, “Teenage Dirtbag” has become a staple of radio and movie soundtracks, and has solidified its place in music history as a beloved classic.
27. “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
“Empire State of Mind” is a 2009 hip-hop/R&B song by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, featuring a tribute to New York City as its central theme. The track features upbeat, uptempo production and an infectious hook delivered by Keys. Jay-Z raps about his life and experiences in the city, including his rise to fame and the hustle of the streets. With lyrics that boast of the city’s energy and resilience, “Empire State of Mind” became an instant hit and remains one of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ most recognizable and iconic collaborations.
28. “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé
“Single Ladies” is a high-energy, empowering pop-R&B song by Beyoncé. The song features an infectious beat and catchy chorus, and its lyrics are about the importance of independence and self-reliance for women. With its confident and assertive message, “Single Ladies” has become an anthem for single women everywhere. The accompanying music video, with its memorable choreography and all-female cast, has also become iconic, making “Single Ladies” one of Beyoncé’s most recognizable and beloved hits.
29. “No Scrubs” by TLC
“No Scrubs” by TLC is a pop and R&B song from their third studio album “FanMail”. Released in 1999, the song topped the charts in several countries and became a worldwide hit. The lyrics of “No Scrubs” describe a woman who is not interested in dating a man who has no ambition or financial stability, and she calls him a “scrub”. The upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and strong female empowerment message made the song a favorite among audiences and is still widely recognized and played today. The music video features the members of TLC in futuristic, colorful outfits, adding to the iconic image of the song.
30. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.
“Losing My Religion” is a song by American alternative rock band R.E.M. It was released as the first single from their 1991 album, “Out of Time”. The song features lush orchestral arrangements, mandolin, and ethereal vocals from lead singer Michael Stipe. The lyrics describe someone trying to hide their feelings of love and passion, expressing the frustration of losing control. The song became one of R.E.M’s biggest hits and remains one of their most iconic and recognizable songs, establishing the band as a major force in the alternative rock scene.
Jason Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
